usually still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usually still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is typically or generally the case, while also suggesting that it remains unchanged or constant. Example: "Even during the busiest times, the office is usually still quiet in the early morning hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Season 4, they're usually still groaning and moaning.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, for the curing of rubbery materials, sulfur is usually still the reagent of choice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it is usually still the big-budget games that rake in the cash.

The Economist

But flying out for a speech by a global political celebrity is usually still allowed.

The Guardian - Business

It took a long time, and there were usually still receptions and suppers ahead.

The New York Times - Arts

The problem is that when the film is finished, I usually still don't know.

The Guardian - Film

As long as the roof is still over your head you can usually still enjoy a happy home.

The Guardian

You will be twelve next year, but you usually still enjoy the solid, imperturbable sleep of a small child.

The New Yorker

Even those who have been won over are usually still skeptical of the power of the big corporations.

The New York Times - Arts

This, because they're usually still schooling, we do on Wednesday afternoons, when they have half-days, or Saturdays.

The Guardian - Film

Mission accomplished, but at the midway point of a Grand Slam tournament, the toughest missions are usually still to come.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "usually still" to convey a sense of something being generally true while acknowledging possible exceptions. It is effective for describing typical situations or states that persist despite other factors.

Common error

While "usually still" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less sophisticated. Opt for more precise alternatives like "generally" or "typically" in academic or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usually still" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree to which a state or action persists or continues. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express that something is generally the case while acknowledging potential exceptions, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "usually still" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to express that a state or action generally persists, but not always. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's versatile, appearing across various contexts like news, science, and general writing, though less frequent in strictly formal business or academic settings. When writing, consider if alternatives like "generally" or "typically" might be more appropriate for a formal tone. Remember that "usually still" combines the concepts of frequency and continuation, offering a nuanced way to describe recurring but not universally consistent situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly unchanged

Emphasizes the lack of change or alteration.

largely constant

Focuses on the consistent or stable nature of something.

generally remaining

Focuses on the continuation of a state more than the typicality.

primarily static

Highlights the unmoving or stationary nature of something.

typically yet

Emphasizes the typical nature and a sense of something pending or continuing.

ordinarily continuing

Highlights the ordinary or regular nature of something's persistence.

commonly ongoing

Emphasizes the common or widespread nature of the continuing state.

customarily enduring

Suggests a habitual and lasting quality.

habitually persisting

Focuses on the habitual nature of something's continued existence.

frequently maintained

Highlights the frequent upholding or preservation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "usually still" in a sentence?

You can use "usually still" to describe a state or condition that generally persists. For example, "Even after the rain, the ground is "usually still" damp."

What are some alternatives to "usually still"?

Alternatives include "generally", "typically", "mostly", or "largely", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to use "usually still"?

While the words individually might seem similar, "usually still" is not necessarily redundant. "Usually" indicates frequency, while "still" indicates continuation. Together, they suggest something is generally ongoing. Consider the context; if clarity is improved by other choices, then use them.

What's the difference between "usually still" and "always"?

"Usually still" implies a general tendency with possible exceptions, whereas "always" indicates something happens without exception. "The store is "usually still" open at 9 PM" means it's typically open, but not guaranteed. "The store is always open at 9 PM" means it's open without fail.